Residents' generosity saves Redding gazebo

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)

Published
8:00 pm EDT, Tuesday, August 21, 2007

In May, a call went out that money was needed to repair and revamp the gazebo, which has served as the backdrop for summer concerts and weddings since 1986. It was donated to the town that year by the Republican Women's Club in memory of veterans.

In the time since then the gazebo had become shabby and in need of a face lift. Today, the gazebo has new benches and landscaping around it. It has been shored up and is again an aesthetic asset to the community.

Donations sent to the Save The Gazebo fund totalled $27,000. Restoration cost $21,000, leaving $6,000 for a maintenance fund.

"I think they've done a fantastic job and am glad to hear there is money left over to maintain the gazebo," said Frank DeSalvo, who made the initial $5,000 donation toward the work.

"It shows me that sometimes if you get things started, people get it done," he said.

"I'm pleased to hear that work has been done. Isn't that wonderful?" asked Katherine Rook, who was chairman of the Republican Women's Club at the time the gazebo was built and donated.

Money to maintain the gazebo was not authorized when the structure was accepted by the town in 1986. When the Save The Gazebo fund was established, it was hoped enough money could be raised for its continued care.

"It's become a focal point for the town," said Ward Mazzuco, chairman of the Redding Republican Town Committee, which donated to the fund. "It honors the town's veterans and is the scene of weddings and summer concerts. It should be preserved."

Construction was done by Able Restoration and Painting, owned by Tim Rogers, a resident.

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Donations to maintain the gazebo are still being accepted. Send them to Save The Gazebo Fund, c/o The First Selectman's Office, P.O. Box 1028, Redding, CT 06875.